Storm moves Gloucester's Halloween party at Stage Fort Park to Sunday, Oct. 18
The free city party, with a haunted hayride, touch a truck and a candy parade, now runs Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. The rain date stays Oct. 24. Here are more Halloween events around Cape Ann in the next two weeks.
· Thursday, October 15
Trust Check: Checked against public records
The City of Gloucester's free Halloween party at Stage Fort Park is now on Sunday, Oct. 18, from noon to 3 p.m., a day later than first planned. The Gloucester Police Department announced the change Wednesday, saying another coastal storm had postponed the party from Saturday.
The National Weather Service has a gale watch posted for the bays from Friday evening through Saturday evening, with gusts over 30 mph in Saturday's forecast.
What to know
- When: Sunday, Oct. 18, noon to 3 p.m. The rain date is still Saturday, Oct. 24.
- Where: Stage Fort Park, 24 Hough Ave., Gloucester.
- What: A haunted hayride, touch a truck, music with DJ Leo Francis and a candy parade. Popcorn and snacks are provided. Organizers ask families to bring water bottles.
- Cost: Free. The party is presented with Kops-n-Kids.
The city's online calendar still listed the party on Saturday as of Thursday morning. The police department's post and flyer give the new Sunday date.
More Halloween around Cape Ann
- Friday, Oct. 16: Halloween drop in craft, Sawyer Free Library children's room, Gloucester, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 21: Sinners of Salem, a talk with Nathan Guardian on the people behind the witch trials, Sawyer Free Library, 4:30 p.m., free. Haunted Library tour, Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library, 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 24: Halloween pumpkin painting, Rockport Public Library, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Pirate Party costume fundraiser for adults, Essex Shipbuilding Museum, $100; see the museum for times. Manchester's Wobblin Goblin Parade is also that day (details).
- Tuesday, Oct. 27: Costumes and Candlelight, an after dark visit in costume, Hammond Castle Museum, 6 to 10 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 28: Trick or treat at the castle for children, Hammond Castle Museum, 4 to 6 p.m. Halloween storytime with the reading dogs, TOHP Burnham Public Library, Essex, 6 p.m.
Check each organizer's page before you go. The full list is on the events calendar.
Earlier coverage: Halloween by the Sea: Manchester's Wobblin Goblin Parade Oct. 24, then a party and trick or treat Oct. 31 (Oct. 14). Essex candy drive collecting Halloween treats through Oct. 24 (Oct. 7).
Sources
- RecordGloucester Police Department (Official), Facebook post and flyer, 'Halloween Party Update', Oct. 14, 2026
- RecordCity of Gloucester calendar: City of Gloucester Halloween Party, Stage Fort Park (still shows Saturday, Oct. 17, as of 5 a.m. Oct. 15)
- RecordCity of Gloucester calendar: rain date, Oct. 24, 2026
- RecordNational Weather Service: Gloucester forecast and ANZ251 gale watch, Oct. 15, 2026
- RecordSawyer Free Library: Halloween Drop In Craft, Oct. 16
- RecordManchester-by-the-Sea Public Library: Haunted Library tour, Oct. 21
- RecordSawyer Free Library: Sinners of Salem with Nathan Guardian, Oct. 21
- RecordRockport Public Library: Halloween Pumpkin Painting, Oct. 24
- RecordEssex Shipbuilding Museum: Pirate Party fundraiser, Oct. 24
- RecordHammond Castle Museum: Costumes and Candlelight, Oct. 27
- RecordHammond Castle Museum: Trick-or-Treat at the Castle, Oct. 28
- RecordTOHP Burnham Public Library: Halloween Storytime with the Reading Dogs, Oct. 28
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